A Guide on How to Choose a Bathroom Vent Fan

Having long and luxurious bath is indeed enjoyable and relaxing. However, it can be damaging to your house. It is because it causes all the moisture and humidity to be concentrated in one area due to the use of the shower head and sink. This makes the perfect place for mold and mildew to breed. As a result, it can destroy building materials such as wood frames and drywall.

For this kind of problem, having the best bathroom fan is the solution. A bathroom vent fan can remove excess odors, mold spores, and moisture which can cause health problems. There are also areas that have building codes which require exhaust fans particularly in buildings that do not have an operable window.

In choosing a bathroom vent fan, there are considerations you need to think of. You have to think of the right size, the level of noise, and the features you want.

How to Choose Your Bathroom Vent Fan

Check the sizing of your fan to your bathroom.

The size of your fan is one vital thing to consider when buying a bathroom vent fan. If you purchase a bathroom vent fan that is too small, it will not be effective in eliminating moisture. On the other hand, if you buy a bathroom vent fan that is too big, it will be inefficient and too noisy.

In order to know the proper vent fan sizing, you need to determine the cubic feet per minute or CFM that your chosen fan is capable of moving. For larger bathrooms, they need a higher CFM. A lower CFM is enough to ventilate a small bathroom properly.

It is also advisable to check the other things you have in your bathroom such as your shower enclosure.

Know the noise ratings of the bathroom vent fan you are eyeing on.

The noise bathroom vent fans make when they operate is a common complaint. Nevertheless, there is a way to determine the right noise level. Sone rating can be used to measure the noise made by exhaust fans according to the Kansas State University Engineering Extension.

The noise levels can range from 1 to 7. The fans that have a sone rating of 1 are the quietest whilst fans that have a sone rating of 7 have a much louder sound. When you finished computing the size of your vent fan, you can compare the sone rating with different models in order to get the appropriate fan for your bathroom.

Differentiate the control systems.

An on-and-off switch can be seen in the simplest bathroom vent fans. If you want more moisture to be removed from your bathroom, you can opt for fans with a delayed shut off switch. These fans keep working for 15 minutes more after you leave your bathroom.

Units with timers and humidistats that can be programmed provide greater control and flexibility. Fans with motion sensors are beneficial if you have children or housemates that often forget to turn off the fan after they bathe or shower.

Try to know if your fan is energy efficient.

Bathroom vent fans that have an Energy Star for having efficient operation must be certified by the Home Ventilating Institute or the Air Movement and Control Association. An Energy Star label means that a fan uses 60% less energy as compared to other fans. Most modern bathroom vent fans have quiet motors which let them operate on very low noise. Thus, they are energy efficient as well.

Conclusion

Aside from using a shower cleaner, it is also helpful to have a bathroom vent fan installed in your bathroom. It does not only prevent moisture from forming but also makes your bathroom materials last longer. If you are convinced to purchase one, you should follow the tips given on how to choose the one that best suits your bathroom.